• Francisco Mery, Francisco Aranda, Carolina Méndez-Orellana, Iván Caro, José Pesenti, Javier Torres, Ricardo Rojas, Pablo Villanueva, and Isabelle Germano.
• Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. Electronic address: franciscomery@neurocirugiauc.cl.
• World Neurosurg. 2021 Mar 1; 147: 29-36.

BackgroundAneurysm clipping requires the proficiency of several skills, yet the traditional way of practicing them has been recently challenged, especially by the growth of endovascular techniques. The use of simulators could be an alternative educational tool, but some of them are cumbersome, expensive to implement, or lacking in realism. The aim of this study is to evaluate a reusable low-cost 3-dimensional printed training model we developed for aneurysm clipping.MethodsThe simulator was designed to replicate the bone structure, arteries, and targeted aneurysms. Thirty-two neurosurgery residents performed a craniotomy and aneurysm clipping using the model and then filled out a survey. They were divided into Junior and Senior groups. Descriptive, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analysis was performed using IBM SPSS statistical software.ResultsThe overall residents' response was positive, with high scores to face validity and content validity questions. There was no significant statistical difference between the Junior and Senior groups. The confirmatory factor and internal consistency analysis confirmed that the evaluation was highly reliable. Globally, 97% of the residents found the model was useful and would repeat the simulator experience. The financial cost is $2500 USD for implementation and only $180 USD if further training sessions are required.ConclusionsThe main strengths of our training model are its highlighted realism, adaptability to trainees of different levels of expertise, sustainability, and low cost. Our data support the concept that it can be incorporated as a new training opportunity during professional specialty meetings and/or within residency academic programs.Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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